Form for constructing tile-faced concrete walls



Feb 7, 195% J. J, WAGNER 2,495,571

FORM FOR CONSTRUCTING TILE-FACED CONCRETE WALLS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledJan. 11, 1,949

' 3nv enfor John J. Wagner Feb. 7 1950 J. J. WAGNER FORM FORCONSTRUCTING TILE-FACED CONCRETE WALLS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 11,1949 3nvent or John J.Wagner attorneys Feb. 7, 1950 J. J. WAGNER FORMFOR CONSTRUCTING TILE-FACED CONCRETE WALLS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan.11, 1949 Fie.6

Snnentor John J.Wagner a 1m (Ittomegs Feb. 7, E950 J. J. WAGNER2,496,571

FORM FOR CONSTRUCTING TILE-FACED CONCRETE WALLS Filed Jan. 11, 1949 4Sheets-Sheet 4 H I m H :n KO H J 5 L" L" wflm F H H Ln 2 [Th T; [:1

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53 33 54% m m EB U U U I'NVENTOR. John dwagnczr Aicornzgs Patented Feb.7, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FORM FOR CONSTRUCTING TILE- FACEDCONCRETE WALLS 7 Claims.

This invention relates to building construction, and provides a novelform for use in pouring a concrete wall having facing tiles so imbeddedin its face as to approximate the appearance of a brick wall.

The embodiment chosen for illustration is intended for use inconstructing a building having a steel frame in which there are verticalmembers of I or H section imbedded in the wall. This affords aconvenient way of positioning the forms and is chosen as theillustrative example for that reason. However, the invention can beadapted to other types of construction by arranging appropriatesupports.

The outer member of the form comprises a rectangular frame which can beattached to said vertical frame members and carries parallel horizontalbars equipped with clamps which hold courses of facing tiles. Each frameis loaded with tiles while in an inclined position, and after the tilesare properly spaced and clamped the frame with the tiles is hoisted toplace and fastened in a vertical plane to the frame of the building. Therear member of the form is also sustained by the building frame, and inits preferred form comprises two steel plates linked together byparallel bars hinged at opposite ends to respective plates. Theconstruction is such that the plates can be telescoped sufficiently topermit the rear form member to enter between flanges of two columns andthen be expanded to fill the interval between the webs of said twocolumns.

In this way the flanges of the columns are availed of to sustain bothmembers of the form, and as a consequence accurate positioning is easilyand certainly attained. The rear form is made adjustable in position sothat wall thickness can be determined according to the needs of theparticular case.

The tile clamping means enter between successive courses of tile andspacers enter between the ends of successive tiles in the variouscourses, so that the joint-width is accurately determined, and so thatthe poured concrete is excluded from the front portion of the jointinterval but not from the rear portion. As a consequence the finaleffect is precisely that of a raked mortar joint.

The clamps are fluid-pressure operated and the connections can bearranged so that most of the clamps are operated simultaneously.Preferably they are subdivided into groups in each of which simultaneousoperation is afforded.

two or more forms are arranged end to end and their respective tilegroups must intermesh.

The pressure fluid used to inflate and lock the clamps preferably iselastic so that after inflation and the closure of valves, the inflatedtubes will remain under pressure even though the unit is detached fromthe source of pressure fluid. Compressed air is preferred, and thediscussion of the exemplary embodiment will proceed on the assumptionthat compressed air is the pressure fluid used.

The tile may take various forms. While they could approximate theproportions of brick, relatively thin slabs are preferred, and keyingribs on their backs can be used to advantage. They may be of any shapeengageable by long clamps arranged in a course and may be of anypreferred material.

In simulating a brick wall the tiles can be arranged to give theappearance of Flemish bond, running bond (with or without rows ofheaders) or any other bond in which there are regular courses. Forillustrative purposes plain running bond is adopted in the drawings. Theterm concrete signifies any suitable hydraulic cement with anappropriate aggregate.

A preferred embodiment arranged for use with a steel frame structure isshown in the drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the frontform charged with tiles and in place upon a previously poured section oftile faced wall. The fluid pressure connections and some parts arebroken away to avoid confusion and expose details.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of one complete form in place.

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2 showing the rear member ofthe form in elevation.

Fig. 4 is an elevation of the righthand end of the form shown in Figs. 1and 2.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged section on the line 55 of Fig. 1 showing tilesengaged by the clamps and indicating the construction of the clamps.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view on a larger scale than Fig. 5, showing thespacer used between the proximate ends of successive tiles in onecourse.

Fig. '7 is a detail of a portion of one clamp strip.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of the clamps and the fluid pressureconnections thereto, and indicates one manner in which the variousgroups of clamps may be successively inflated.

The main frame 1 is formed of angle iron welded or otherwise fabricatedto form 2. rec- This latter scheme is particularly useful when tangularmarginal element. A vertical strap 2 and stay rods 3 and 4 give the mainframe I added rigidity and assure that its rectangular shape will bemaintained. Welded at their ends to the vertical elements of the mainframe are parallel channel irons 5, which are horizontally disposed andcontinuous from one end to the other of the main frame. The channelirons are mounted withtheir webs at the top and their flanges pendant,as best shown in Fig. 5, and they are preferably attached to strap 2.Each channel iron 5 supports and partially houses a clamping unitgenerally indicated by the reference numeral 1. Each such clamping unitextends from end to end of the channel which supports it, but thepneumatic distending means which sets the clamping unit are subdividedinto two sections in clamping units for alternate courses, for a reasonwhich. will. be explained.

Generally stated each clamp comprises a tube of metal, longitudinallysplit and having opposed out-turned approximately parallel flanges onthe margins of the split. The flanges enter between the tiles of twoSuccessive courses to a depth less than the thickness of the tile andare the clamping. members proper. To prevent concrete poured. behind thetile from entering between the flanges, a. flexible mortar flap isfolded around the flanges and is attached to at least the upper onethereof. An inflatable rubber-like tube is. enclosed in the metal tubeand when inflated distendsthe tube, forcing the flanges apart. The tilesare. placed by hand in the desired arrangement, so that they'aresupported in courses, each course being supported and alined by theupper flange of the corresponding clamping unit. Inflation of the tubeslocks the clamps. The clamps through their inherent resiliency releasethe tiles upon deflation off the tubes and thus facilitate removal ofthe form from the finished wall.

Refer particularly to Fig. 5. A clamp assembly T-comprises a relativelyrigid semi-cylindrical section 8 and flexing spring section 9 flangedand bolted together at II. The clamping flanges, so produced, areopposite one another, and comprise a right. angled substantially rigidflange I2 formed on member 8 and extending beneath and beyond thesupporting flange on channel 5, and a movable flange I3 beneath flangeI2. Flange I3 is slotted or notched as indicated at Ill, so thatactually it comprises a series of semi-independent fingers.

The mortar flap, which may be rubberized fabric, appears at I4 and isclamped between member 8 and the flange of channel 5. It is foldedsmoothly around flanges I2 and I3 as shown, and may be attached to theflange I3. If attached to both flanges, slack for movement of flange I3must be afforded. The inflatable tube I5 reacts between member8 and aflexible semicylindrical retainer channel. I6, preferably of thin springmetal. Channel I6 engages member 9. The assembly I is shown attached tothe flange of Lchannel. 5 by screws H which pass through members I6, 8and I4, and are threaded into the channel, but any preferred mode ofattachment may be substituted. In Fig. 5 tiles are indicated at A andeach is shown with a keying rib B on its back.

The tubes I4 are continuous in alternate courses. Inthe interveningcourses they are constructed in two separately inflatable sections, theshorter of.which, I5a, is approximately coextensive in length withone-half of a tile. This provides for intermeshing tiles of two adjacentforms prior to inflation of the short sections. Inflation of the shortsections locks the intermeshed tiles. Consider the left edge of Fig. 1.The projecting tile ends could not be assembled with tiles in anotherform at the left if all the clamps at the edge of the other form wereset. Hence, at the right edge of each form certain clamps can beset asan independent group after the two forms have been assembled. Theconnections which permit this will be described later.

Inserted into the vertical intervals between successive tiles in eachcourse are rubber spacers I8, each sustained by an angle bracket I9slidable along the web of the corresponding channel iron 5. They areinflatable by means described hereinafter andhave (see Fig. 6) aninternal stiffeningweb. 2|. The frame I is provided with a shackle 22whereby it may be hoisted into position on top of the previouslyconstructed foundation or a previously poured section of the wall. Theframe I is fastened in place against the vertical frame members 23 bymeans of lower clamps 24 and upper clamps 25. Clamps 24 comprise a wallpiercing, tapered member 26, having a notch 27. A latch bar 28 is hingedon the frame I and engages the notch in the member 28. The member '26has a threaded portion 29. slidable on this portion is a hook-like clip3| which engages the frame member 23 as shown in Figs. 2 and 4. Acombined hand wheel and nut 32 serves to tighten'the clamp 24. At thetop of the frame are located similar clamps 25. The clamps 25 comprise arod 33 having a hooked portion 34 and a threaded portion 35. Slidable onthe threaded portion is hook-like clip' 36 which engages a frame member23. The clamps 25 are actuated by a combined hand wheel and nut 31.

Spaced from the main frame I is a rear form member made up of twooverlapping flat plates of metal M and 42. Each has an angle ironstiffener 46 along its outer margin, as shown in Fig. 3. These platesare connected together by parallel angle iron links 43. Transversemembers 44 are hinged at intervals to the links 43 and assist inmaintaining those members in a parallel relation, so that the marginsof-the sheets II and 42are kept parallel.

The links guide the plates so that the horizontal dimension between thestiffened edges 48 can be reduced sufficiently for the form to clear theflanges of adjacent frame members 23. When expanded to normal dimensionsthe interval between the webs of frame members 23 is spanned (seeFigs..2 and 3), and the members 43 and 44 function to support theplates.

Thrust screws 45 in bosses 41 serve as means to engage th inner flangesof frame members 23 and adjust the position of the rear form member.

Figure 8 isa diagram of the fluid pressure connections which. can bemade most conveniently by flexible hose though the manifolds are usuallyrigid pipes.

Themain'air supply line 5| receives compressed air at suitable pressure,say '75 p. s. i. from any suitable source, not shown. This supplies amain manifold 52 through a manually operable stop valve 53 and thismanifold is connected by branches 54 at all times to all the mainclampoperating tubes I5 except the lowermost one thereof, and also bybranches '55 to all the spacers I8 except the last one to the rightineach course. The lowermost one of tubes I5 is'connected to themanifold 52 through a manually operable stop valve 56.

A secondary manifold 51 is supplied with compressed air through amanually operable stop valve 58 and is connected by branches 59 with theshort inflatable tubes I5a, and by branches 6| with the spacers last tothe right in each course.

The reason for using valve 56 is the fact that the lowermost clamp doesnot function when the frame is initially charged with tile. After theform is set in place this clamp is actuated to seal the joint at thebottom of the form to the foundation or to a previously poured wallsection, as the case may be.

The intervals at 62 are for the passage of clamp members 26.

Operation The frame I is laid in an inclined position with the clampingflanges I2 and I3 up and both manifolds 52 and 51 vented to atmosphere.Tiles A are then arranged between the clamping flanges with the spacersI8 interposed.

With valves 56 and 58 closed and valve 53 open, supply line 5| is putunder pressure, inflating tubes [5 and spacers [8 connected to manifold52. Valve 53 may then be closed. The tiles are now locked and properlyspaced.

The rear form 4|, 42 is set in place and frame I is hoisted to position.Clamps 24 and 25 are set to fix the frame I to the frame members 23. Ifanother frame such as l is already in place the tiles (which arestaggered as shown to give the running bond pattern) must belntermeshed, whereupon valve 58 should be opened and closed to inflatetubes I5a and complete the clamping of the end tiles so intermeshed.

At or about the same time valves 56 and 53 are opened and closed, so asto inflate the lowermost tube l5, producing a seal to the underlyingwall or foundation. Supply line 5| may then be disconnected from thesource of air.

Concrete can now be poured. After it has set, valves 53, 56 and 58 areopened to vent the connected manifolds. Clamps 24 and 25 are releasedand removed and the frame I and back form are removed, leaving thetile-faced wall. The members 26 are withdrawn. Sinc they are so locatedas to pass through the interval between the ends of two tiles theaperture can be pointed up and becomes a part of a simulated mortarjoint.

Obviously, special frames embodying the principle characteristic offrame I and its related parts can be built to meet requirements imposedby door and window openings, corners and similar details, but theembodiment illustrated discloses the principles of the invention, whichobviously are adaptable to special applications of the invention, suchas will be encountered in commercial practice of the invention.

In the foregoing description and in the claims, the word inflate and itsderivatives are used in its generic sense, meaning to swell or distendwithout implied limitation to any particular pressure fluid.

What is claimed is:

1. A structure for sustaining one face of a poured concrete body and forpositioning tilelike members to be incorporated in said face, said'structure comprising, a sustaining frame;

a series of spaced, parallel supporting members on said frame; clampssustained by respective supporting members and extending substantiallythe entire length thereof, each clamp comprising a split, expansivemetallic tube having clamping flanges extending along the oppositemargins of said split, and inflatable expanders within the tube andserving upon inflation to expand the tube and so force the clampinflanges thereof apart, the flanges of pairs of adjacent tubes beingspaced to receive between them courses of facing tile-like members;means for masking the interval between the two flanges of the clampwhereby the entrance of concrete into the clamp is inhibited; means forholding said frame in position as a part of a mold structure; and meansfor inflating said expanders.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 in which the inflatable expandersof certain of the clamps are subdivided into a main unit and a shortcomplementary end unit, said end units being capable of inflationindependently after the main units have been inflated.

3. The combination defined in claim 1 in which the clamp-masking meansis a flexible apron attached to at least one of said flanges and drawnaround the edges of both.

4. The combination defined in claim 1 in which the upper flange of eachclamp is rigid, and the opposed lower clamp is of elastic metal in theform of a series of fingers which may be flexed each independently ofthe others.

5. A structure for sustaining one face of a poured concrete body and forpositioning tile-like members to be incorporated in said face, saidstructure comprising, a sustaining frame; a series of spaced, parallelsupporting members on said frame; clamps sustained by respectivesupporting members and extending substantially the entire lengththereof, each clamp comprising a split, expansive metallic tube havingclamping flanges extending along the opposite margins of said split, andinflatable expanders within the tube and serving upon inflation toexpand the tube and so force the clamping flanges thereof apart, the

r the inflatable expanders of certain of the clamps are subdivided intoa main unit and a short complementary end unit; and separate inflatingconnections are provided for the main units, and for the end units.

'7. The combination defined in claim 5, in which the inflatableexpanders of certain of the clamps are subdivided into a main unit and ashort complementary end unit; separate inflating connections areprovided for the main units and for the end units, and one flange of thepair forming part of each clamp is slotted to afford semi-independentfingers.

JOHN J. WAGNER.

No references cited.

